Bishop Dr Emeka Nwankpa, the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in the March 18 rescheduled governorship election, has given a ’90-gun salute’ to Dr Alex Otti the Candidate of Labour party who has just been declared winner of the election,

In an earth-shaking event which was held at his Umukalu Ntigha countryhome, the revered cleric and philanthropist, who saluted Alex Otti with 90 gunshots, described Otti’s victory as the ‘beginning of the liberation of Abia State’.

In an emotion-laden congratulatory message, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa said, ‘I am particularly happy that God has answered the prayers of the people of Abia State. I contested the election to see the liberation of Abia State. Though Alex Otti was one of my opponents, I am happy that through him, God has taken us away from the hands of the wicked PDP. This victory heralds the end of a bad regime, and ushers in a new era.’

On his expectations of the government of Alex Otti when it comes on board, Bishop Nwankpa said, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected. The people of Abia State expect Otti to address the myriad of problems facing Abia. It is my hope that he will rise up to the challenge. If he doesn’t perform, the people of Abia State will vote him out in 2027. I hereby call on all men of good conscience to come together and support the incoming government.’